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Considering most inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame have been (and continue to be) men, it is nice that the place is starting to recognize the contributions women have made and continue to make to music. Their new exhibit entitled “Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power” will open on May 13, 2011.

Despite the lack of (que Aretha) respect given to female artists, I hope this exhibit will be a permanent or constantly updating, featuring, and a changing part of the museum, and not just a token display. A permanent exhibit would really give women the props they deserve. If it’s not permanent, it continues the notion that “women who rock” aren’t really normal, that “women in rock” are just a fluke. So, now that we “honored” women, back to our regular man-rocker 24/7 coverage.

From what I can tell from the website, the display will feature women in music from the 1920s with artists like Bessie Smith to current rockers like Lady Gaga. The features will include outfits worn by these women (I hope that isn’t the bulk of the exhibit….seriously these women are musicians, not models!) handwritten song lyrics, videos, concert posters, instruments, ect. You can also record your own personal message in a recording both on how these women have shaped or impacted your life.

The exhibit will also kick off with a concert featuring the one and only Wanda Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. I am going to try my hardest to make this opening just to see those two on stage. What magic! What legends!

So, while I have some reservations as to if this exhibit will meet the standards of professional admiration, respect, and exposure for female artists that male artists receive, I am hopeful it will at least continue to remind people that women rock, and always have. While we don’t need a museum to validate our art, we will know we truly have gained what we deserve when they don’t have a special exhibit for “women who rock,” but when women are just a regular part of the museum.

So, as I pack my iPod full of holiday tunes for the long plane ride this weekend, I thought I would share with you my chic mix playlist – Holiday edition. If you have other notable holiday tunes, or have a specific favorite, please feel free to post them in the comments! I’d love to know what you are jammin’ to!